The PWHL turns to Meghan Duggan, three-time USA Olympian and director of player development for the New Jersey Devils, to assist with its hockey department.
Duggan will serve as a special advisor for the six-team league, which is entering its second season beginning Nov. 30. Without defining Duggan's role, her duties are expected to include input on potential rule changes, scheduling and player-personnel matters.
“Meghan is a longtime advocate for women’s hockey, a proven leader and an accomplished executive at the highest levels of the sport,” PWHL Vice President Jayna Hefford said in a statement. “As we continue to prioritize development and innovation in our game, Meghan will draw on her competitiveness, character and long list of hockey achievements to advance our league.”
One of the league's innovations is the “jail break” rule, in which a minor penalty is imposed if a team scores a goal while shorthanded. The PWHL also launched a plan last month to expand by up to two teams for the 2025-26 season.
Duggan, a Massachusetts native, previously worked as a guest coach in the PWHL and was hired by the Devils in May 2021 after capping her playing career by winning an Olympic gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. She also served on the USA Hockey Board of Directors and was a founding member of the NHL's Player Inclusion Committee.